The mission of the centre is to support and to affect the change process in education to promote the values of open society and equal access to a quality education for all children in Lithuania.

CEI objectives:

1. spread ideas and provide practical skills on child/family-centred education for each level of the educational system, i.e. for pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, higher educational schools and universities.
2. organise professional training to educators and disseminate information on the innovative child-centred methodology based on current best practice.
3. initiate and implement different educational projects including those that promotes equal opportunities for minorities, Roma and disabled children and encourages tolerance and respect for diversity.
4. publish books and other teaching materials.

CEI is a member of the International Step by Step Association (ISSA). The association which is registered in the Netherlands was formed at the initiative of participants from Step by Step programs in 28 countries:

Child and family centred approach is based on the following principles:

• active family and community involvement in educational process
• individualized teaching
• developmentally appropriate practice
• stimulating learning environment organized through the activity centers
• cooperative learning
• active learning methods
• on-going professional training of teachers